Carlingford

On 27 Feb, we took a family trip to the charming little town of Carlingford, which is just across the Dundalk Bay and nestled in between the Cooley Mountains on the south side of the bay and the Mourne Mountains to the north. According to Wikipedia, the name comes from Old Norse Kerlingfjǫrðr, meaning "narrow sea-inlet of the hag". The town could use a prettier definition.

From the perspective in the pic from google maps below, you can see Carlingford at the base of  the Cooley Mountains and facing The North (Northern Ireland).

 

The Mountain (Slieve Foy) features prominently as it appears to rise over the town in a manner that is simultaneously foreboding and fortifying.

 

The drive from Annagassan took us along a number of beautiful towns along the bay and we started our adventure at the Castle. The first one we have seen after so much talk of Ireland's old castles and monuments - the kids were bursting! The castle itself is almost 900 years old.

We had an nice view of it from the road, but the kids were just as enamored with the winding, narrow (and sometimes just off a cliff ledge) path. The 'secret path' made the castle all the more appealing. This was particularly nice since Carlingford Castle is, truthfully, a little boring in appearance - no tours, no entry, no special architecture. We were glad it was the first stop, since some others planned along the way will now feel all the more majestic.

Up the secret path to Carlingford Castle

Carlingford Castle - in a bit of disrepair at present, there appear to be plans to bring it back to life

The castle is built into some impressive natural stone, producing a jagged base that provides plenty of cool hiding spots

 

 

 

 

 

On to the town itself, Carlingford has a number of medieval streets including the main walking path that is pedestrian friendly. 

Behind the gang, you see The Mint, which was a medieval fortified house that was granted permission to mint coins

The Tholsel is the town gate and entry point to the walled city. Within its wall is a tiny little jail cell ("gaol"). The kids fit in it nicely! It still locks!

We had nice little lunch, with 'tasty pints'